Have you been out on "The Town" recently?

Posted in Entertainment on 9/23/10 by .

Ben Affleck looks dapper at the Venice Film Festival premiere of The TownBy now, you’ve hopefully heard about The Town, Ben Affleck’s successful new bank heist film set in Boston.

This movie has something for everyone, so if you want an excuse to put down the books and enjoy a great film, here our top five reasons to go.

Ben Affleck

Some of us will never forgive him for Gigli or even Daredevil, but the actor/director is back in fine form this time. We’re not sure if it’s because he went back to his hometown of Boston, but dude is lookin’ good and the direction of his film is fantastic. His character, is also both terrifying and romantic… and amazing.

Bank Robberies

When was the last time you saw a bank heist movie? Initially, we were worried about seeing a formula we had already seen a hundred times, but it’s different this time. Set in Charlestown, this one square mile area is historically famous. Why? Did you know it’s produced the highest number of bank and car robbers than anywhere in the U.S.? Thanks to Afflecks mentioning of the fact, the audience knows that these guys mean business from the very first scene until the very last.

Blake Lively

Blake Lively is a crack dealer. Who knew?! Grudged down, she still looks remarkably sexy and her acting skills are actually put to use, unlike in that TV show that we won’t mention here…

Mad Men

You know what show we will mention? Mad Men. Don Draper’s Jon Hamm portrays a hard-hitting FBI agent chasing after Affleck and his robber partner, Jeremy Renner, who continuously make off with loads of dough… wearing scary nun masks, no less. Hamm’s character is forceful like Don, but Bostonian so basically cooler.

Finally

While the writing might not be as strong as it could be, the chemistry between the actors and the ease of the plot, make the film worth the $10 spent on a ticket. Plus, theatres in college towns often offer discounts to students w/ IDs, so don’t forget it!

Experience why EW.com says “Affleck the director, it turns out, has a real feel for making movies about atmospheric grit and the collision of urban law, order, and disorder.”

So take some time to head to the cinema and see The Town, it should be worth any student’s while.

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What NOT to do on spring break

Posted in Information on 9/22/10 by .

Spring break calls for fun and responsibilitySpring break is an amazing time for college students. The sun shines all day long, parties last day and night, and everyone is smart and responsible, right?

Yeah, that’s what we thought.

Everyone has their spring break horror stories but for those who have never been away on a college break, here is some advice to ensure that your vacation is amazing and fun without creating drama or making a fool of yourself.

Don’t hang out alone

First off and most importantly, never walk alone. Have a buddy that is always by your side and make a game plan so that at least one of you is always in the right frame of mind. How many stories have you heard about students being robbed/mugged or found passed out on the beach? Don’t let it be you!

Don’t get all “girls gone wild”

Trashy reality shows are always fun to watch, but anyone can see them… like your family! Wet T-shirt contests might be a great way to show off, but remember a lot of these contests are videotaped. A girl we know told us that her entire family witnessed her-ahem-performance on on E! two months after spring break. Horrifying? Yup!

Don’t do the boardwalk of shame

In addition, avoid the “boardwalk of shame,” says Cosmopolitan. Walking home in the morning is never any fun and your hair will be a mess. A good way to avoid this is to stick with your buddy! If you make a pact to not break up the group, there’s no way you can sneak off only to wake up in the same clothes as last night.

Don’t @overshare on @Twitter #hashtag

Don’t tweet everything you do! Twitter and Facebook updates might be fun and make you feel important, but no one needs to know what happens on spring break. It’s like Vegas: What happens there, stays there. In addition, using your cell phone in a different country is wicked expensive. Your parents (or whoever pays the bill) will not appreciate paying $1 every time you walk into a bar and announce your arrival via Twitter.

Don’t do homework

Some students on break might be nervous about their school work upon arrival back to reality. Spring break destinations, while relaxing, are not meant for reading! Leave the books at home. Your friends will thank you for not making them help figure out how to reduce fractions.

Don’t get hurt

Want to act like a superhero? Sorry! You can’t all of a sudden magically fly on spring break. Jumping off balconies into the pool is dangerous and the hotel will likely kick you out so keep your feet on the ground, guys.

Follow our advice and you’re sure to have a fun spring break without any regrets!

Feedback

Do you have any spring break horror stories? Let us know in the comments!

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GQ tells men: stop looking stupid at the gym and get stylish

Posted in Entertainment, Sports & Activities on 9/21/10 by .

The men from Jersey Shore have a lot to learn about gym style. Here's how they (and you) can fix it.It’s important to have a nice body come spring break time, but you can look good while getting there too.

Gym fashion can make or break the way people see each other when they’re working out; while we don’t encourage hitting on ladies while they’re running on the treadmill, it never hurts to stand out because you look stylish.

What’s that you say? Gym and fashion don’t go together? Au contraire, mon frère.

In GQ’s October 2011 issue’s article “Jersey Shore Gets Pumped,” the popular men’s magazine teaches the jacked up and greased down stars of the popular reality series what not to wear at the gym.

It’s about time someone showed them how to do at least this one thing right and with this makeover they might just be well, on the right track.

Like the Jersey Shore guys, college students and young professionals often look sloppy at the gym because they think it doesn’t matter. GQ says it does, and so do we.

Below are the major style tips that men can remember when they head to the gym. Pay heed… it will only make you look better and more approachable. Spring break may be far away, but if students are buffing up for their warm-weather vacation, there’s no harm in looking good while getting ready to show off. Isn’t that why most of us go to the gym anyway?

Let’s start with arrivals. With winter coming soon, you’re not going to be walking around in shorts and t-shirt to get to the gym unless you’re crazy or trying to prove something that no one likely cares. This season, however, skip the puffy jacket or parka and go for a track jacket under a windbreaker. It’s sure to keep you warm and the layering will suggest you know a little bit about looking good no matter what the occasion.

Performance pants can be used for stretching and a light workout before really sweating it out. You can wear them into the gym too as they’re sure to keep you warm. “Something looser than the tights girls run in and tighter than the pants Run-D.M.C. rapped in,” says the mag. Even baggy sweatpants can be lame, so try to aim for a straight leg pant.

Get a cheap bag; one that doesn’t have your school logo on it. Gym bags are cheap and can give you a vintage gym look that’s incredibly easy to pull off with clothing like that described above. Keep your water, spare clothes and anything else you need in there so it stays all in one place.

GQ also offers this bit of awkward advice: buy gym-specific underwear. No one wants to see a guy wearing “tightey-whiteys” at the gym. You wouldn’t wear it to spring break, so don’t do it now! Not only does it remind people that your mom probably still buys your underwear, no one has worn this kind of support since the eighties. Your bag should look vintage, not your underpants.

A less awkward piece of advice? Skip the wife-beaters! GQ suggests getting a geometric tank that channels the latest jerseys that basketballers wear at schools. This is where you can sport school pride, just don’t get one three times too big – it will defeat the purpose of looking smart if you wear a tank top that shows the entire side of your torso.

Try using a watch to keep track of your workout paces. Go for colors like black or white so they can easily match your outfit.

We understand that many people feel shorts should drop below the knee. Guess what? They shouldn’t. Mesh shorts that fall right above the knee will actually let you look your age! “Oversize basketball shorts make grown men look 12 years old,” the article’s writer says. Go for a lacrosse short cut and maybe that hot girl you’ve been checking out will finally acknowledge you.

Need to listen to music? Don’t just hold your iPod, get a holder that attaches to your shirt or arm. Better yet, athletic wear designers are beginning to include pockets that fit your mp3 player so spend the extra money and leave the awkward hand-holding with inanimate objects behind.

GQ says if you can follow these steps, you’ll look sensible at the gym, feel stylish and attract more attention to your clothes rather than your struggling breath as you try to lift too much. That’s ok… we all do that, too.

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Mexico offers more than Cancun for spring break 2011

Posted in Mexico on 9/17/10 by .

Mexico's beauty on the west coast is simply breath takingMexico’s spring break destinations are diverse but all of them have something to offer. Cancun might be the go-to choice for many college students, but other cities on the west coast of Mexico are exotic and filled with spring break fun.

Acapulco is a city famed as a destination for the jet-setting crowd.

Acapulco, the southernmost tourist destination in Mexico that hosts spring break festivities, lures college students with temperatures that rarely dip below 80 degrees during the day.

Besides the large nightlife scene, beach parties should keep students occupied during the day. However, students may want to take a break to explore some of the exciting activities Acapulco has to offer.

Head over the La Quebrada to witness some spectacular cliff-diving. Students can watch divers fly into the waters below from the top of a huge 140-foot rock face. Students can walk to the viewing area in less than fifteen minutes taking La Quebrada, the road behind the cathedral in the main square, says Frommer’s guide to Acapulco.

Visit the Acapulco Historical Museum to get to know the area’s culture a bit better. The museum is located inside the Fuerte de San Diego, a fort originally built in 1616. The city’s history is filled with pirates, conquistadors and trade with Asian nations, so history buffs should take note of this attraction.

Art lovers will marvel at Diego Rivera’s mural painted on the house of Dolores Olmedo in the downtown area. The full wall mural depicts Aztec deities and took over 18 months to complete.

Acapulco is definitely in style right now, as designers have based some of their recent collections on the resort city. Discussing her new bathing suit collection, designer Trina Turk said she was, “drawing inspiration from the city of Acapulco in the 1960′s & 1970′s, an era known for glamorous getaways by Hollywood’s rich and famous and the international jetset.”

Further up north, Puerto Vallarta sits in a bay that is renowned for its beauty. This resort town offers pristine beaches that college students should find inviting and relaxing.

Travelers who enjoy classic Hollywood tales will be pleased to know that Puerto Vallarta was the backdrop for the classic Ava Gardner and Richard Burton film, “Night of the Iguana.” Elizabeth Taylor came along to keep her romance with Burton alive causing quite a frenzy with the paparazzi since both stars were still married to other people at the time.

Try a zip-line adventure in the jungles nearby to see some of the ecological diversity in the area. Students can also sail on a boat to the nearby coral reefs where dolphins and manta rays glide along with swimmers exploring the underwater scenery.

The Malecon seaside boardwalk is perfect for a stroll at sunset. Mariachis serenade visitors to the tropical paradise as waves crash softly on the sand nearby.

Infamous for its late-night parties, Puerto Vallarta’s nightlife has one of the largest club scenes in Mexico. Bars, clubs and restaurants in downtown beckon students on spring break as DJs blast music and thump the bass.

Called the “Pearl of the Pacific”, Mazatlan is a welcoming city for students with its mix of old culture and modern accommodations.

Recently, the city underwent a massive restoration to bring pueblo viejo (old town) back to life. “Here, against a backdrop of cobbled streets, crumbling edifices and an ever-increasing number of newly restored gems, you’ll find a cultural renaissance under way,” describes Lonely Planet.

For fun, students can climb up El Faro, arguably the second-highest lighthouse in the world, to get a view of the city and coastline. Take a walk around Plazuela Machado and soak up the culture of the area by stopping in one of the many cafes, shops and theatres that embody the city.

Nearby, the Mazatlan Cathedral, built from 1875 to 1890, displays some fantastic architecture that will take the breath away of any student on college break.

The beaches are best along the coasts that lie north and south of old town, near many of the hotels where spring breakers stay, so don’t worry about having to go far to get some sun and surf!

A great tidbit to know about Mazatlan is how much bang you can get for your buck! While many tourists come to visit the city, the area is relatively new and unknown as a destination so prices are reasonable.

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7 days and 7 ways to live without social media

Posted in Campus Life on by .

Students spend hours a day on social media sites like FacebookImagine you’re sitting at a desk, chatting with a hometown friend 500 miles away on Facebook. All of a sudden, the procrastination station is shut down!

Some students had to deal with this reality recently. AP reports that Harrisburg University of Science and Technology in Pennsylvania blocked social media sites for an entire week as an experiment to "evaluate the role of social media in people’s lives."

Students have already admitted to the provost that it has helped them study better, but others said they would simply walk off campus to get online.

These sites are of concern to scientists as well as schools. "What happens to young people when they spend hours and hours with the computer? Are they getting outdoors? Are they exercising? Are they learning to talk to each other face to face?" Gary Small, professor of Psychology at UCLA asked CBS’s Early Show.

This got us thinking. What if your school shut down social media for a week? It may seem horrible at first, but we think it’s an experiment everyone should try. It may help to try it during college break when people are vacationing anyway, but to get the full effect do it while school’s in session.

Here’s our suggestions on how to enjoy life without social media.

1. Snail mail

Snail mail is a great way to connect with family or friends. Tell them a story or two and maybe even send a few photos! It accomplishes the same activities Facebook offers and while it may not be as fast, everyone loves getting mail! Give them your address so they can send a response.

2. Library

Yes, we’re serious. There are plenty of books (and magazines) that have nothing to do with your classes, so explore. If you’re going away soon, hit the student travel section! It’s never too early to start planning activities for Spring Break 2011. A lot of college libraries hold special artifacts that may be cool to discover and learn about, so ask a librarian what’s around.

3. Music

Expand your music knowledge by trying to listen to an album per day. Traditional pop or hip-hop albums usually run for around 45 minutes, so an album a day shouldn’t be too hard with all the free time you’ve created!

4. Write

Laptops are great for procrastination in class, but they’re supposed to be used for taking notes. Writing notes by hand uses kinetic reinforcement; when you actually write out the words yourself, material is easier to remember than just plugging it in to a screen.

5. Newspaper

Facebook gives you a news feed with stories about your friends, but what about the world? Read a newspaper or go onto the New York Times or CNN website and read the daily stories to find out what’s going on in America and the rest of the world.

6. Community Service

Take the time to give back to your community. Students love feeling good about themselves and there’s no better way to do so than by helping those in need. Colleges usually have a group that organizes community service programs so check in your student union to find out more.

7. Museum

Go to a museum or attraction located nearby. If you live in a rural area, see if there are any local farms or vineyards that offer tours. It may not be spring break, but education doesn’t have to come in the form of lecture halls and discussions!

At the end of your Facebook and Twitter-free week, think about how the time was spent. The Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is making their students write a report on their social media-free days, so it might help to ask some of the following questions:

Were you able to be more socially active face-to-face, or did you find yourself at a loss with what to say to people? Did you enjoy finding other experiences outside of a 14-inch screen, or did you hate the fact that you couldn’t instantly give your friend a poke or get constant updates from Lady Gaga? Could you plan things to do on your Florida spring break, or were you lost without suggestions from a discussion thread?

The goal of the experiment was to see how students reacted. It may be good to try this yourself just to see where you stand on the social media addiction scale.

Of course, we realize that some people just can’t live without social media. Should any convulsing, dizziness or irritation occur head to the nearest public library or to a friend’s apartment off-campus. There, students can find refuge and maybe a little sanity in a world mysteriously gone backwards.

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Online clothing rental gives college girls couture for less

Posted in Campus Life on 9/15/10 by .

Students can look fresh off the runway without spending a fortuneDesigner clothing is not cheap, so what’s a girl in college to do when she needs an expensive-looking outfit?

Rent The Runway, an online rental service for dresses and accessories, has a solution.

The company is hitting campuses nationwide to show students they don’t have to splurge to look good!

Student reps on campus will show how easy the website is to use and the wide variety of clothing available. Taylor Waters, a student rep from UNC says that she’s “ecstatic to help [her] fellow students learn…so they can wear designer dresses to all their social events.”

The rentals cost anywhere between $50 and $200 and can be kept for four days. Direct-to-your-door service will surely speak to girls who don’t want to spend hours looking for an outfit! The only thing to do after the dress is worn is to mail it back in a prepaid envelope, according to the New York Times.

Jennifer Hyman, CEO and co-founder says students “are already renting for all of the occasions in their lives, whether it is sorority recruitment, date functions, 21st birthdays, tailgating parties, spring break, or graduation.”

Girls who are overwhelmed with the 15,000-plus options should look to the new trends for spring 2011 to trim down what’s hot and what’s not.

Tom Ford returned to the spotlight with fabrics that shine like silk, sheer and tulle in black and gold on dresses, blazers and shrugs.

Floral prints were used by many designers in their shows suggesting that sun dresses and light fabrics may be back in style for evening wear.

Marc Jacobs’ most recent collection recalled 70′s era style and showed off some must-haves for the season, according to the New York Daily News. Wide-brim hats will make any girl on the beach wearing one during spring break 2011 a fashionista. Pair them with over-sized sunglasses and be the chicest girl around!

Girls in college can look at sites like NYTimes.com and read Vogue or W for the most recent trend updates. Many designers now have their runway shows online so girls can even find a dress on the runway and then search for it to rent!

When the time comes to plan a big event, online clothing rentals have got you covered. After all, Rent The Runway “provides the Cinderella experience for women everywhere,” according to their tag line.

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Daytona is a great spring break for college students in America

Posted in USA on by .

Daytona Beach is a great spring break destinationDaytona Beach is one of the most popular spring break destinations in the world. With miles of beaches, warm weather and lots to do it’s easy to see why this coastal paradise is so popular for spring breakers.

The beach is the main draw here, of course. The temperature in March averages around 75 degrees, according to WorldClimate.com, so spend your days laying in the sand and enjoying the sun.

Rent a surfboard on the boardwalk and ride the waves! Daytona’s waters serve up great surf so be sure to take in the action if you love playing in the ocean.

Cruise over the water as you glide through the air enjoying the views of Florida from high up on a parasailling experience or stay on the sea and zoom around in a jet ski.

Take a break from the beach and visit the famous Daytona Speedway. Experience the thrills of racing around the track in interactive exhibits and rides that will excite and impress.

Daytona Lagoon water park, just across from the beach, offers students the chance to get out of the ocean but stay in the water. In addition to the fun time had on water slides, student can race on a go-kart track and or compete in the arcade.

Try climbing up the 100 year-old Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and call it your workout for the day so you don’t waste time inside at the gym. Go for a run on the beach if you want to exercise outside and enjoy the views of the bustle on one side and the sea on the other.

The "World’s Most Famous Beach," Daytona’s nickname, allows cars to drive on the sand. During spring break, the beach might be closed to cars but ask if there are sections open to experience what it’s like to explore the beach from the driver’s seat.

For students not renting a car and that need to get around, hop on the Big Red Bus which travels around the entire city, stopping at the most popular spots.

Restaurants dominate the area so go explore what kinds of great food Daytona offers. Fresh seafood from off the coast is a good bet for a delicious meal. Clubs and bars are as frequent as the restaurants so don’t worry about finding a place to dance at night during your college break vacation.

Daytona Beach is a great place for students to relax and play during spring break 2011. Don’t forget the sunscreen!

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Spring Break on A Budget

Posted in Living on a Budget on by .

Save cash while on spring break 2011 and see a showWorrying about your finances during spring break is no fun. Planning ahead with a budget, however, can save you some serious dough on your spring break 2011.

Follow our advice and make your spring break in Mexico or wherever you choose to go thrifty and fun!

While You’re There

Grocery store

One of the best ways to save money is to buy your food from the grocery store. Head to the local market every morning and buy food for sandwiches or salads that you can keep in a cooler. That way you save money normally spent on restaurants and eat whenever you get hungry, instead of waiting to be served.

Coupons

Ask the front desk for coupons or free events that might be happening throughout the week. Cancun spring break and the like have massive parties but many of them cost money to get into, try to spend some time looking for the less expensive events or entry coupons if you’re looking to keep costs to a minimum.

Cheap fun can also be found by simply staying around your hotel’s pool or lying out on the beach all day. The warm weather comes with the vacation, so take advantage! Remember your sunscreen though, no one wants to be stuck inside because of a sunburn!

Pay cash

Try to avoid using credit cards. Friends can conveniently forget to have extra cash and then you get stuck with the bill. Make sure you say “no” to the first person who asks to get covered so others don’t ask later on in the week.

Stay domestic

Florida spring break is usually cheaper than going international, so consider Panama City Beach for fun in the sun! Flights are cheaper but the weather, parties and activities is exactly the same as places in the Caribbean.

Public transportation

If you plan on frolicking around the city you’re in, use public transportation! Taxis are expensive and have been known to rip you off in tourist areas by charging a fee in addition to your fare. Public transportation may not be stylish, but neither is spending all your money on getting around.

Bicycle

Rent a bicycle during your Jamaica spring break to escape the party zone and go on an adventure. Your hotel should have maps to explore the surrounding area. Jamaica is an eco-paradise with waterfalls, beautiful greenery and secluded beaches.

Self-control!

Self-control can avoid the biggest potential cost of all: bail. Do not get wasted. Seriously. The chances of you getting arrested and your friends having to bail you out is high. Cops patrol spring break area heavily and there is no get out of jail free card. Some country’s laws force non-citizens to be deported upon any arrest. Not only will you lose out on your vacation, but you’ll be charged thousands of dollars. Be smart and responsible, always.

Before You Go

Planning

Planning a realistic budget ahead of time can help tremendously. Make sure you really know the status of your finances before you travel. We recommend adding an additional 10% to your expected costs. It will give you a safety blanket in case there is an emergency or you accidentally overspend.

Insurance

An important thing about travel is health insurance. Some companies will not cover you internationally so make sure to check what is included! Medical visits are supposed to be avoided during spring break and more likely than not, college students will not be able to afford proper care without coverage. Know before you go! Don’t call your parents at midnight from the hospital to find out if you’re covered. It’s embarrassing and you will frighten them into thinking you can’t handle traveling alone, which means they’re less likely to help out if you need some extra cash!

Buy the expensive stuff at home

EHow.com says travelers should pack toiletries that can be expensive in tourist spots. Sunscreen, disposable cameras, sandals, etc. should be bought at home and taken with you. These things will likely cost double at your spring break destination.

Go in groups

Consider traveling in big groups to get discounts on fun activities. Attractions, restaurants, clubs offer slashed prices for groups larget than four. However, be sure that everyone is on the same page. There’s no point in bringing a large group to cut down costs if everyone wants to do seperate things.

These tips should help any college student looking to avoid major spending in March. Saving money during spring break is easy as long as you put in the effort. By being responsible, doing some research and planning ahead, college students can have the best spring break ever!

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The Top 10 Reasons Any Student Should Go to College

Posted in Campus Life on 9/13/10 by .

College can be an amazing experience for any one who wants itCollege is one of the most wonderful experiences you can have. It’s the first time you’re truly free from your parent’s rules and you choose what you want to do with your life.

We’ve created a list of reasons why going to college is a great idea. Some of them are serious and some of them are silly. One or two might even be reasons that surprise you!

10. Studying Abroad

A lot of college students spend their junior year abroad. It’s such an amazing way to see culture, learn a new language and most importantly broaden your horizons. Living in a different country can really open your mind to things you may have never even thought of before.

9. Independence

Independence comes with going to college. Want to sleep in until noon? Do it. Want to paint your face with school colors? Go for it. Independence means you can do anything you want, but don’t forget that actions have consequences. You’re responsible for everything you do, don’t let it become your downfall.

8. More Free Time

During a semester, students usually take 4 or 5 courses. Classes usually run for one hour per unit per week. Say you take four 5-unit courses (the standard), that’s only 20 hours a week! High school students average 35 hours per week. This leaves almost enough free time to watch a whole season of TV on DVD. Think of the possibilities…

7. New Places to Explore

Experiencing a new city or town can be overwhelming, but once you are settled, students find their new home exciting and refreshing. Go to a local museum or take a day trip to the nearby amusement park. Ask your RA or a school rep if the college offers discounted tickets to attractions in the area. Chances are, they do.

6. Spring Break

A college tradition, spring break offers an entire week of wild nights in the Caribbean or wherever you want to go so long as there is nice weather and parties.

5. Classes

Yes, college is for learning. It’s easy to forget. Classes are structured very differently than in high school. In big lecture halls professors will cover the textbook. In discussions teaching assistants will lead smaller study groups and encourage you to think beyond the words on the page and really explore the material.

In their article “Importance of College Education,” Collegeview sums it up nicely, stating that “[students] have the opportunity to read books and listen to the lectures of top experts in their fields. This stimulation encourages students to think, ask questions, and explore new ideas, which allows for additional growth and development.” They also add that it gives you a serious boost in the job market. Employers are more likely to hire you with a degree than without.

4. Parties

College parties are infamous for students going crazy as they relax from intensive studying. Parties are a fantastic way to get to know people and have a great time, but beware: if they find you drinking underage, you’re in trouble. Parties can get out of hand too so if you’re not comfortable, ask a friend to take you home.

3. Girls & Boys

College is great for meeting that new boyfriend or girlfriend or hook-up. Ask out the hottie who sits across from you in discussion or scope out the eye candy in lecture hall.

2. Campus

Usually steeped in school history, it’s important you get to know your campus as it encourages school pride and unity. The library is, of course, meant to be used for studying. Most college students also find that it’s a great place to dawdle on free computers, chat with friends, and read magazines. Of course, academia is why these libraries were built, but watching last night’s episode of Gossip Girl should count as sociology or fashion studies, right?. If you’re worried about the Freshman 15 – hit the gym. They’re usually free to enter with your student I.D.

1. Friends

There are people you will meet who will always be by your side for many years to come. Whether you’re exploring secret tunnels underneath campus, bonding over dates or playing a game of ultimate Frisbee, college friends are the best reason to go to college.

Other reasons to go to college such as going Greek or going to class in your pajamas which are equally fun as the reasons I’ve mention above, but didn’t quite make the cut. In all seriousness though, go to class in your pajamas once. It’s amazing.

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Spring Break 2011: Cancun Promises More Than Just Parties

Posted in Mexico on 9/10/10 by .

When your spring break in Cancun commences, it might help to know about some of the other things to do in the area that may not come immediately to mind.

Of course, we understand that the beach and parties may be your number one priority, but there are other ways to enjoy this spring break destination when you need some down time or want to get away from all the noise.

If you love the water, consider going on a scuba diving or snorkeling excursion. Plenty of companies offer tours that will take you to the depths of the beautiful ocean floor off the coast. Swim with dolphins and get to know what it’s like to work with Flipper’s friends up close and personal.

Feel like you should keep your mind stimulated so you’re not shell-shocked upon return to school? Take a tour of Chichen Itza, the famous Mayan ruins, and get a mini history lesson that may help in that Western Civ class you’ve been avoiding.

If you’re an adventure-seeker, consider a jungle tour. Tours take you through mangroves and into forests that have a mystical quality often associated with the Mayans. See some spectacular wildlife, such as iguanas, armadillos and blue crabs in the jungle, but beware the boa constrictor!

Students who enjoy spectator sports might want to head over to the Plaza del Toros, the bullfighting ring in Cancun to witness this traditional sport that Spain brought to Mexico. Be wary, however, if you faint at the sight of blood or are a huge-animal lover bullfights can be too much to handle.

During spring break 2011, rent a jet-ski or wave runner and zip around in the sea with the ocean spray cooling you down from the heat without wading around in a crowded pool.

The main beach, Playa Langosta, is famous for its soft, white sand. Take your towel and bathing suit to enjoy some sun and surf, letting your cares drift away as you soak in the rays. The Caribbean sea beckons you to dip your toes in the warm, turquoise waters. The hotel pools may be more event-coordinated, but travelers should take a day to just lay on the beach.

Keep in mind the flags the beaches use, as well. While the waters are almost always safe, a color-coded flag system is in place to warm swimmers. White means the beaches are in great condition. Green means it is safe (green means go!). Yellow means use caution as conditions can change and black or red means do not use the beaches. Luckily, you always have the pools as back-up!

Coco Bongo is Cancun’s largest club and infamous for its party scene. This dance hall hosts up to 3,000 people, so come here if you’re looking to bump n’ grind with other spring breakers. Other clubs inhabit the “Hotel Zone,” where most of the Cancun spring break activities take place, so explore a bit and see what you find! Make sure you use caution when drinking…NEVER let your drink out of sight.

Your hotel will likely be hosting parties throughout the week so be sure to ask the front desk about any special events they’re holding for guests, as well!

Looking to do some shopping? Wander around La Isla Shopping Village, an open-air mall next to the lagoon with beautiful clothes and even better views of the sea. Open-air markets and air conditioned malls offer similar items, but La Isla is the one to beat.

Cancun may be the most popular spring break destination in the world, but it doesn’t have to be all pool parties and beach volleyball…just so long as it still includes sun!

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